Thanks guys, very, very helpful. I did some more digging around last night and it sounds to be like the resistor is shot based on what you guys had to say.
I'm gonna order a couple ESCs for both cars. Everything is clean on both vehicles and all wires are secure and have clean contacts.
Thanks for all your help.
I'll try and post some pics of my cars soon. My hornet has seen better days but its all original and still runs like the day I built it back in 86.
Looking forward to posting and taking a trip down r/c memory lane. I used to have so much fun with my cars when I was a kid.
George